SILVER CREEK — School Superintendent David O’Rourke on Wednesday night praised the efforts of the school’s crisis team in dealing with the death of Katie Doctor, an 11-year-old elementary student who died last week.

At the regular meeting of the School Board, O’Rourke said the staff was reminded to keep the school environment as normal as possible to assist with providing comfort and a sense of normalcy to students.

He recommended that the board provide special recognition to crisis team members at an upcoming meeting.

The girl had flulike symptoms, but officials have not confirmed that the cause of death was swine flu.

O’Rourke also noted that 643 students participated in a recent swine flu vaccination clinic, sponsored in conjunction with the Chautauqua County Health Department. O’Rourke said the district is grateful to the Health Department staff for providing services at the clinic.

In other matters, the board heard an update on the capital project. Conduit has been laid through the parking lot for the new transformer, which will be installed in the spring.

A French drain has been installed on the south end of the varsity softball field and is expected to reduce the drainage problem in that area.

A new lift for the bus garage will be delivered Monday and will be installed for bus maintenance.

O’Rourke said he will continue to work on the school’s budget and begin preliminary planning for the next school year. He said if midyear cuts are made, the district will look at cost-saving measures.

Future planning sessions with School Board members will include staff, faculty and members of the community.